Wootton, Frank (1894 - 1940)

Trainer (T),
Jockey (J)

Also Known As: Frankie Wootton

Description:

Frank Wootton was indeed a boy wonder. He rode his first winner at Turffontein in South Africa, at the age of 9, and his first in England aged 13. At the age of 16 he won his first Classic, in 1919, helping him become the youngest-ever Champion Jockey that year. He was Champion for the next three years, too.

Frank Wootton was the eldest son of Richard Wootton and brother of Stanley, jockey, trainer and a great coach of apprentice riders. Frank never forgot that the best place to be was near the rails. He seemed to know the form of his competitors inside out.

Frank grew heavier and, during the First World War, he served with the Army in Mesopotamia. After the War he rode over hurdles with success and then took out a licence to train, turning out over 100 winners. He returned to Australia in 1933, dying in Sydney seven years later. He always claimed that Swynford was the best horse he ever rode.